Both the restoration of European prosperity and the securing of a future worth living are inextricably linked to the ability of present societies to implement sustainable development strategies. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set up by the United Nations serve as an internationally shared blueprint. Although higher education institutions (HEIs) exert great influence on societal and regional development, their role in enabling a sustainable future has yet to be developed systematically. By implementing Sustainable Development strategically through their major functions of education, research, and outreach as well as through their third mission, higher education institutions can make a decisive contribution to a sustainable future.
